Stay ahead with breaking tech news, gadget reviews, AI & software innovations, cybersecurity tips, start‑up trends, and step‑by‑step how‑tos.
The French video game “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” has achieved another milestone, securing the coveted title of Game of the Year at the 2026 Pégases awards, held Thursday evening in Paris. This win follows a remarkable year for the game, including recognition at the Game Awards in Los Angeles last December and a record-breaking number of trophies. The Pégases, often described as the French equivalent of the César Awards for film, celebrate excellence in the French video game industry.
Developed by Sandfall Interactive, a studio based in Montpellier, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” captivated players with its unique setting inspired by the Belle Époque era of Paris. The game has sold over 5 million copies worldwide, a significant achievement for a French-developed title. The Pégases awards, initiated by the Syndicat National du Jeu Vidéo (SNJV) in 2020, are determined by a vote of 2,500 industry professionals and members of the Académie des arts et techniques du jeu vidéo.
The success of “Clair Obscur” represents a high point for the French gaming sector, which currently faces a complex landscape. The awards ceremony, broadcast live on YouTube and Twitch, recognized 18 trophies across 16 categories, including Best Video Game, Best Independent Video Game and Best Technological Innovation. The event, held at La Cigale in Paris, began with a pre-show stream at 7:30 PM local time, followed by the main ceremony at 8:00 PM.
A Sweep of Accolades for “Clair Obscur”
“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” didn’t just win the top prize; it also received awards for “Excellence Visuelle” (Visual Excellence), “Excellence Narrative” (Narrative Excellence), and “Meilleur Univers Sonore” (Best Sound Universe). Tom Guillermin, a co-founder of Sandfall Interactive, accepted the awards, calling it “an immense honor” and noting the game had “found both its audience and its place in the industry.” The team also highlighted a collaboration with eight South Korean animators who contributed to the game’s production.
The game’s success is particularly notable given the relatively small size of the development team – approximately 30 people – compared to the industry’s larger studios. “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is published by Kepler Interactive, a British publisher, demonstrating the potential for international partnerships to elevate French game development.
Competition and Rising Independent Titles
The competition for Game of the Year was strong, with “The Rogue Prince of Persia,” a roguelite reimagining of the classic franchise from Ubisoft and Evil Empire, and “Absolum,” developed by Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks, also nominated. Notably, “Absolum” was also recognized in the Best Independent Video Game category, highlighting the growing strength of the independent game development scene in France. The Pégases awards reflect a narrowing gap between AAA productions and independent creations.
This year’s nominations also included a special connection to the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games in Paris, with Thomas Jolly, a key figure in the Olympic opening ceremony planning, present at the event. Jolly has spoken about the parallels between theatrical production and video game development, noting the shared creative processes and storytelling techniques.
What’s Next for the French Gaming Industry?
The success of “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” is expected to further boost the profile of the French video game industry on the global stage. With 436 awards to its name, the game has become the most awarded in history. However, the industry still faces challenges, as highlighted by reports of a complex and evolving market. The Pégases awards serve as a crucial platform for recognizing innovation and fostering growth within the French gaming sector.
What are your thoughts on the growing success of French video games? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow gaming enthusiasts!